The Story So Far...

“…a vital moment in the UK film calendar, and a beacon of inclusive and groundbreaking filmmaking from a diverse range of backgrounds.” - The Voice

Broaching its sixteenth year, London Short Film Festival has been recognised as the premiere UK showcase for cutting edge homegrown and international short film.

Renowned as the capital’s ‘cornucopia of new and beloved shorts from around the world’ (CineVue) and for our consistently ambitious cross-arts programming, we strive always to platform emerging talent alongside the established with a 16 year old soft spot for the independent.

The first significant date on the UK’s film calendar, each January sees diverse audiences of 10,000+ flock to LSFF helming some of London’s most historic cinematic venues, from the Institute of Contemporary Arts to BFI Southbank, Curzon Soho to Dalston’s Grade II listed Rio.

The goss

“The best short film festival in the world!” – The Guardian Guide

“…an unmissable treat… With fifteen editions under its belt and wrapping up one of the most politically charged years in its existence, this LSFF will be a meditation on the festival’s impact on British cinema and its legacy as promoter of uncompromising auteurs.” - HISKIND

“Now entering its fifteenth year, the London Short Film Festival is proving it’s worth for the long term.” - LeCool

In 2003, co-founders Philip Ilson and Kate Taylor organised the first Halloween Short Film Festival at the ICA. This was formed as a continuation of The Halloween Short Film Club which Philip had been programming since 1994. In 2008, the festival became the London Short Film Festival and has been growing year-on-year to take in more films, live music, industry and training events and diverse, high-quality venues.

Kate Taylor’s last festival was in 2009 and since then the festival producer has been Carla MacKinnon (2010), Chloe Roddick (2011 - 2012), Cassandra Neal (2013 - 2014) Jo Duncombe (2015 - 2016), and Johanna Brooks (2017). Following the January 2015 festival, Sarah Chorley joined the team as Development Director, then progressing to become Festival Director in 2017. Gerry Maguire has joined the team as Festival Producer for the 2018 Festival.